The show will visit Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 6 – Sat 10 Oct 2026 as part of a major UK tour.

Adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed playwright Simon Stephens, and directed by Ned Bennett, this new production promises to bring a fresh perspective to a much-loved modern classic.

Christopher Boone possesses a remarkable mind for mathematics but finds human behaviour and everyday life far more difficult to understand. When a neighbour’s dog is found dead, suspicion falls on him. Determined to prove his innocence, Christopher sets out to uncover the truth, but what begins as a search for a culprit soon becomes a journey of self-discovery that challenges his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.

Inventive, gripping, and deeply moving, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an unforgettable theatrical event.

‘Crowd-Pleasing, Life-Affirming And Unmissable’ – The Times

Playwright Simon Stephens says of the new adaptation:

“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure. It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria. From school drama clubs to Wembley Way. I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever. Ned Bennett is a brilliant director. I have wanted to work with him for years. I couldn’t have been happier that it is Ned who will reimagine my play for the 2020s.”

Ned Bennett, Director, continues:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be directing The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Mark Haddon’s beautiful story is uniquely tender and mischievous — a celebration of courage and imagination. It’s a real privilege to collaborate with Simon Stephens on his iconic play, which so brilliantly balances an exquisite character study with a thrilling sense of theatrical adventure. I’m tremendously excited to work with the teams at Melting Pot and the Birmingham Rep to bring this groundbreaking play vividly to life on stage once again. The original production was an utterly extraordinary landmark theatrical event, it’s incredibly exciting and an honour to contribute to the next chapter of this story’s journey.”

Melting Pot Producer, Simon Friend, adds:

“I read Mark Haddon’s novel when it was first published, and like most others, immediately fell in love with it. Had the National Theatre not got there first, I’d have been knocking on his door! But Simon’s play is so exquisite, so theatrical, so deeply exciting and moving in equal measure for audiences young and old, that we're extremely honoured to be producing its first new production since that landmark event, and aim to live up to its legacy in a bold new take by the tremendously talented director Ned Bennett.”

Co-Producer and Artistic Director of the Birmingham Rep, Joe Murphy, concludes:

“We’re delighted to be co-producing this powerful new staging of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time — a story that continues to challenge, move, and inspire audiences. At The Rep, we’re passionate about telling stories that reflect the complexity and brilliance of the world around us, and this production does just that. It’s inventive, full of heart, and speaks to the power of seeing the world differently. We’re proud to bring this vital work to audiences here in Birmingham and beyond.”

Simon Stephens is a celebrated playwright and screenwriter whose work is known for its emotional depth, intelligence, and ability to uncover the extraordinary within everyday life. He is best known for his acclaimed stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which has been produced in major theatres worldwide. His Olivier Award-winning VANYA played at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London’s West End in 2023 and at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York in 2025, starring Andrew Scott.

Ned Bennett is an award-winning theatre director who trained at the Royal Court, the National Theatre, and LAMDA. Described by Whatsonstage as “one of the most exciting directors of his generation,” he has won multiple UK Theatre Awards, including Best Director for Pomona and Yen (2015) and Best Play Revival for Equus (2019). His work spans theatre, education, and outreach, and he recently co-created The LeftBehinds with Ross Willis — a sci-fi western for the National Theatre’s Secondary Schools Tour.

First premiered at the National Theatre in 2012, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time received widespread acclaim for its innovative design, emotional storytelling, and sensitive portrayal of neurodiversity. It remains one of the most celebrated British plays of the 21st century, seen by over 5 million people worldwide.

The production went on to win seven Olivier Awards in 2013 — including Best New Play, Best Director, and Best Actor — before transferring to Broadway, where it won five Tony Awards in 2015. Since then, the play has toured extensively across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Full casting and creative team to be announced.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is produced by Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep.

Performances run at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 6 – Sat 10 Oct 2026. Tickets are available now for ATG+ members, with general on-sale from 10am on Fri 17 Oct.